Daniel Lanois

The Messenger

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The Messenger Lyrics

Got a letter from a messenger
I read it when it came
It said that you were wounded
You were bound and chained
You had loved and you were handled
You were poisoned, you were pained
Oh no
Oh no
You were naked, you were shamed

You could almost touch heaven
Right there in front of you
Liberty just slipped away on us
Now there's so much work to do
Oh the door that closes tightly
Is the door that can swing wide
Oh no
Oh no
Not expecting to collide

For a minute I let my guard down
Not afraid to be found out
Completely forgot, dear
What our fears were all about
Oh no
Oh no
There's no need to be without

There's a chance and I will take it
This desire I can't kill
Take my heart, please don't break it
I will crawl to your foothill

I'm frightened but I'm coming
Please baby, please lay still
Oh no
Oh no
Not coming for the kill

Oh no
Oh no
Not coming for the kill

Submitted by

taffin On May 29, 2007

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Taffin

Submitter

2007-05-29 13:26:26

1 Meaning

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by spork-girl

18y ago

I recently woke up to the fact that a close personal relationship was, in fact, abusive. I've had this record for many years... but only last week, did I listened to this song with "new ears".

He is singing in the voice of someone who cares deeply but also one who is cautious and who knows (probably learned the hard way) about the complications and difficulties of rescuing a person enslaved. He's tentatively offering help but he will not do it all. It is not his responsibility but rather hers; she got herself into it. She must muster the strength... to break free, and then he will be there to assist/support/love her as needed... if only she can hold on, survive long enough...

"Oh the door that closes tightly Is the door that can swing wide" When we are betrayed, we tend to close the door on any and all new relationships. Unfortunately the paradox is that, it is only through trust and opening ourselves to others, that we can learn to live and trust again.

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